How did enslaved people use religion according to historical understanding?

Enslaved people utilized religion as a form of agency and resistance, which played a crucial role in their lives and struggle for autonomy. This understanding is rooted in historical accounts that reveal how African traditions and Christian beliefs intertwined, providing both spiritual sustenance and a means to assert their identity and humanity in the face of dehumanization. Religion offered enslaved individuals a sense of hope and community, helping them cope with the brutal realities of slavery.

Additionally, religious gatherings often served as a covert space for discussing plans of rebellion or escape, creating a collective identity and solidarity among enslaved people. Preaching and spiritual songs frequently contained messages of liberation and freedom, reflecting the desire for resistance against oppressors. This dynamic illustrates not just submission but an active engagement with their faith as a source of empowerment, resilience, and a foundation for movements against oppression.

In contrast, the other options suggest interpretations that do not fully encapsulate the complexity of the relationship between enslaved people and their religious practices. While some interpretations might claim religion was used for submission or influence over legal changes, these views overlook the active resistance and self-determination that many enslaved individuals expressed through their faith.